Arman FC has announced that its under-17 football team is competing in the Afghanistan Under-17 Champions League, reaffirming the club’s commitment to developing grassroots football and nurturing the country’s next generation of talent.

In a statement issued this week, the club said it was “proudly” entering the competition as part of its efforts to promote youth football and encourage young Afghans to pursue the sport.

“We proudly announce that Arman FC under-17 football team is participating in the Afghanistan Under-17 Champions League to develop grassroots football in Afghanistan and to encourage the youth of the country,” the club said.

The Afghanistan Under-17 Champions League is aimed at providing young players with regular competitive football while creating a pathway for emerging talent to progress to higher levels of the game, including national youth teams.

A number of Arman FC players spoke out this week about playing for the elite Kabul-based club. Among them were Shahzad Sharifi, who said both him and his brother had been chosen to play for the club.

 “I started playing football at the age of 12. I play as a defensive midfielder (No. 6). I began my football journey with Asia Group FC, which helped me reach where I am today. Later, I joined Yorush Hakim Kunduz U-14 team.

“My performances were noticed by Arman FC, and I was invited to join the club. I now play in central midfield, alongside my brother Mir Agha Sharifi, who is my role model. I promise Arman FC fans that one day I will take over the captain’s armband from my brother, Mir Agha Sharifi,” he said.

Another proud Arman FC player is Erfan Arzbegi who said: “I started playing football at the age of 10 with Arzbegi Youth Team in Kunduz province. Our only goal is to achieve success at higher levels and make our supporters proud.

“It is our dream to progress from the U-17 team to Arman FC’s senior squad, where we can further develop our game and eventually earn a place in Afghanistan’s senior national team and the U-23 national team.”

Samiullah Aimaq also weighed in and said: “I began playing football at the age of 10 in the streets and alleys of Imam Sahib district in Kunduz. Later, I played one season in the district’s First Division League before earning promotion to the Premier League.

“After a series of strong performances in the Kunduz Premier League, I signed a one-year contract with Asia Group FC. Now, thanks to my performances and the confidence of the Arman FC coach, I have earned a place in the Afghanistan U-17 Champions League.

“My dream is to one day play for Arman FC’s senior team as well as Afghanistan’s national teams at different age levels and bring pride to my country,” he said.

Youth competitions play a vital role in strengthening Afghanistan’s football structure by giving promising players valuable match experience and opportunities to showcase their abilities.

Arman FC’s participation reflects the growing emphasis being placed on grassroots football development across the country, with clubs investing in youth programmes to help produce the next generation of Afghan footballers.

The tournament is featuring under-17 teams from clubs across Afghanistan competing for the national youth championship.